Bridgestone will this year supply to formula one teams essentially the same tyres as in 2007.
Although the Japanese marque was the only tyre company in F1 last season due to the withdrawal of Michelin, 2008 marks the official beginning of Bridgestone’s three year tenure as the sport’s mandatory sole supplier.
At the first group test of 2008 at Jerez last week, Bridgestone supplied to teams what was referred to last year as the ‘medium’ compound.
“Our tyres are essentially the same as provided last season, so the teams already have a good understanding of how they work,” Tetsuro Kobayashi, Bridgestone technical manager, confirmed.
Bridgestone Motorsport’s Kobayashi, however, explained that the marque could make some changes to the selection of tyres taken to grands prix in 2008.
And he added: “We have made a minor change to the tyre construction for all the compounds, but this is more of a refinement than a big difference.
“We have also adjusted our super soft compound and the difference should be seen in the races where this tyre is used.”
